Shhhh…do you hear that? It’s probably not silence.

Noise pollution has become, according to the World Health Organization, “an underestimated threat.” Noise can impair our sleep, productivity, and our hearing.

There are plenty of parks along Lake Mendota's lakefront to find solitude. | Photo by 608today | Jonathan Shipley

Earth.fm conducted a study to find places where locals can escape noise pollution. Researchers assessed 3,000+ parks and nature spaces across 245 cities and assigned them “Quiet Scores” based on visitor reviews, ratings, and popularity.

Madison ranked as the No. 29 loudest city in the US. Some of Madison's quietest spots according to Earth.fm: (with some thoughts of our own):

Olbrich Gardens
Lake Mendota
UW-Madison Arboretum
Allen Centennial Gardens
Lakeshore Nature Preserve
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Tenney Park
Warner Park
Owens Conservation Park
Alumni Park

There are plenty of marbled alcoves to find some quiet in Wisconsin's State Capitol. | Photo by 608today | Jonathan Shipley

Fine choices, all. We have a few ideas of our own for those wanting to be indoors:

Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Ave. | Find a seat in Niche 11
Holy Wisdom Monastery, 4200 Co. Hwy. M, Middleton | Rent the guest house for a personal retreat
Memorial Library, 728 State St. | Locals can get day passes for its designated quiet areas
Verona Public Library, 500 Silent St., Verona | Get cozy by the fireplace
Wisconsin Historical Society Library and Archives, 816 State St. | The library reading room is a comfortable place to study, read, or do nothing at all
Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 E. Main St. | Find yourself in a quiet marble alcove

Where do you go to get away from it all? Let us know.